Comparison

CNC Blue vs GCode Scanner for CNC Machines

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

CNC Blue

Control your 3-axis CNC machine via Bluetooth using your iOS device. Generate G-code for various shapes and drawings, then send it directly to your Arduino CNC shield.

Highlights
  • 3-axis CNC control via Bluetooth
  • G-code generation for shapes (circle, polygon, star, etc.)
  • Custom drawing to G-code conversion
  • 3D preview of generated designs
  • Save and share G-code files
  • Direct G-code sending to Arduino
Features
Read full description

You can control 3 axis of your CNC milling machine which connected Arduino CNC shield with a suitable bluetooth module for iOS device at baud rate 9600. The application has G code build function modules which are circle, polygon, star, rectangle, arc, draw, gear and spiral modules.  Some modules has cut inside and cut deep functions. You can select cut tool diameter. Draw module is another fantastic mode to allow to you can use on milling what you draw on the screen with selectable depth of cut function. Before use this function you have to calculate your CNC working area to fit your drawing to this area. All these modules can capable record builded G codes to a file with module name.For save G codes you have to open "save all calculations to files" switch from setting menu. You can share builded G codes. And you can send received Gcode to Arduino via bluetooth with send page, only load the received .nc file. All builded G codes automatically transfer send page, you need to touch send button to start cnc milling, application will send your Gcode to Arduino via bluetooth connection which you done from the application. You can share with airdrop, e-mail etc. all .nc files on the Files page. And polygon, star, rectangle, arc, draw, gear, spiral modes has 3D view function to show you what you build in 3D view . *IMPORTANT: The CNC Blue application has Stop button, but FOR YOUR SAFETY YOU HAVE TO USE YOUR OWN EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON WITH WIRE CONNECTED TO YOUR ARDUINO CNC SHIELD in case of needed to use.* Why I need to change baud rate to 9600: The application baud rate 9600. Because of that we need to change baud rate of Grbl from config.h file to correctly communicate with Grbl via bluetooth module. How you can set baud rate to 9600; You can find the Arduino Grbl "config.h" file from "documents/arduino/libraries/grbl/config.h" and change baud rate to #define BAUD_RATE 9600 How to connect your bluetooth module to Arduino CNC shield : Bluetooth module "TX" to Arduino CNC shield "RX", Bluetooth module "RX" to Arduino CNC shield "TX", Bluetooth module "VCC" to Arduino CNC shield "3V3", Bluetooth module "GND" to Arduino CNC shield "GND" Pins must be connected correctly to protect your Arduino-CNC shield and bluetooth module.

About

GCode Scanner for CNC Machines

This tool allows users to view and simulate CNC machine code (G-code) and 3D model files (STL) before production. It helps prevent errors, save tools, and reduce setup times for machinists, programmers, and engineers.

Highlights
  • G-code viewer with real-time toolpath playback
  • Error detection for gouges and over-travels
  • STL model viewer
  • Universal G-code compatibility
  • Shop-floor ready interface
  • Import from cloud storage or local device
Features
Read full description

G-Code scanner lets you view STL files before 3d printing. It is a photo scanner for CNC machine code and STL viewer. This eas 3D printing stl viewer tool, G code viewer for CNC, CNC G-Code & STL Viewer gives machinists, programmers, and engineers a powerful pocket-sized tool for inspecting, simulating, and sharing toolpaths—anywhere the job takes you. WHY CHOOSE CNC G-CODE & STL VIEWER • Instant insight: Load FANUC- or HAAS-style G-code in seconds and watch real-time toolpath playback before a single chip is cut. • Error prevention: Catch gouges, over-travels, and syntax issues early so you protect cutters, fixtures, and machines. • STL Viewer: Upload and view STL models quickly and easily, right from your phone • Universal compatibility: Works with Gcode from most major machine tool companies • Shop-floor ready: Dark theme, large coordinates, and touch-friendly controls keep the data readable in bright coolant-splashed environments. • Cloud or local: Import files from email, Google Drive, Dropbox, or straight from your device’s storage—no forced sign-ups. WHO IT’S FOR • Job-shop machinists verifying edits right at the machine • Manufacturing engineers adjusting code on the production floor • CAD/CAM programmers teaching technicians how to debug code • Instructors demonstrating CNC concepts in the classroom • Hobbyists running desktop routers or 3D printers that accept G-code SAVE TIME, SAVE TOOLS, SAVE MONEY Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

CNC Blue4 screens
GCode Scanner for CNC Machines4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: GCode Scanner for CNC Machines at 100% against CNC Blue's 50%. GCode Scanner for CNC Machines also leads on price (Free vs $2.99) and rating (5.0 vs 2.5). CNC Blue's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks). On ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

GCode Scanner for CNC Machines is free to download; CNC Blue costs $2.99 up front. GCode Scanner for CNC Machines sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. CNC Blue asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

GCode Scanner for CNC Machines holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of CNC Blue's written reviews are positive against 100% of GCode Scanner for CNC Machines's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CNC Blue ships an update every 3 days, GCode Scanner for CNC Machines every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
CNC Blue versus GCode Scanner for CNC Machines: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCNC BlueGCode Scanner for CNC Machines
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating2.5 (4 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings4 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.5 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB77 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMehmet SIMSEKJeremiah Moore

Customer experience

CNC Blue

All ratings4 ratings
Positive25.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative25.0%

GCode Scanner for CNC Machines

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

CNC Blue

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

GCode Scanner for CNC Machines

Subscriptions3
  • Pro Weekly Membership$4.997 Days
  • Pro Monthly Membership$7.991 Month
  • Pro Annual Membership$69.991 Year

Questions

Is CNC Blue free?
CNC Blue costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is GCode Scanner for CNC Machines free?
GCode Scanner for CNC Machines is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, CNC Blue or GCode Scanner for CNC Machines?
GCode Scanner for CNC Machines is rated higher. CNC Blue averages 2.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while GCode Scanner for CNC Machines averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do CNC Blue or GCode Scanner for CNC Machines have ads?
Neither CNC Blue nor GCode Scanner for CNC Machines shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CNC Blue or GCode Scanner for CNC Machines?
CNC Blue ships an update every 3 days, and GCode Scanner for CNC Machines every 3 weeks. Most recently, CNC Blue was updated on October 8, 2026 and GCode Scanner for CNC Machines on September 27, 2026.

Other comparisons